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ROBERT MARTIN
Born: Oct 13, 1927
Date of Passing: Feb 28, 2013
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryROBERT MARTIN It is with immeasurable sadness that we grieve the passing of our loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. On Thursday, February 28, 2013, Bob left a life he lived and loved to the fullest, after a valiant struggle with heart disease. He has now joined his beloved son Benjamin in heaven. He was also predeceased by his brother, Joseph Martin, and his parents, Ellen and Joseph Martin. Left to cherish his memory is his wife and one true love, Joan, whom he adored. His three daughters: Jennifer (Jack), Mary (Alf) and Elizabeth (Edwin), grieve the loss of a wise and wonderful father that always saw his glass half full. He will be sadly missed by his grand and great-grandchildren, Melanie (Kris), Ethan, Kaila, Michael, Mel (Scott), Hunter, Joshua, Emily, Kristian and Rachel. Bob was born on October 13, 1927 and raised in the midlands of England. He spent a happy childhood with one brother Joseph and loving parents. As a young man, he served in the R.A.F. in the Middle East and North Africa-maintaining aircraft to keep his friends in the sky as safe as possible. He moved to Canada, following his education and experience in the U.K. He met Joan and it was truly love at first sight. They settled in Winnipeg where Bob began his electronic sales and service business as Martins Home Appliance then Red Top TV. He was always most comfortable in a suit and tie. Hard work and perseverance are qualities that will be remembered in his legacy. Bob, alongside his wife Joan, brought the organization Compassionate Friends to Canada here in Winnipeg, after the loss of their son Ben to leukemia in 1976. Together they reached out to many bereaved parents, coordinating support groups for others who had lost children. The Compassionate Friends continue to meet these needs to this day across Canada. After many years selling and repairing electronics Bob shifted his energy to selling real estate in Winnipeg. This line of work led him to Calgary in 1981. He loved sales and he loved people, always seeing the best in them. During free time, Bob enjoyed classical music, reading, research and gardening. He counted insomnia as a gift because it was an opportunity to listen to his short wave radio all night. It was in Calgary that Bob began a new successful business called Wind-C-Kers Discovery Shoppes along with his wife Joan. Children would sometimes point to him and happily say, "The Wind-C-Ker Man." Following years of hard work, the couple moved to Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island to enjoy their well earned retirement, the ocean, the weather, gardening, beach walks and their puppy Sang. Bob was loved and had many friends at Qualicum's "Old School House" art gallery where he volunteered. Bob enjoyed the last three years of his life in Winnipeg, where he and Joan made the Canoe Club their home and made more wonderful friends. One of the highlights for Bob in 2012 was receiving his Canadian Citizenship in a private and lovely ceremony in the library at the Canoe Club, after living and working in Canada for 60 years. His memory will be cherished in the hearts of everyone who was privileged to know and love this gentle man. A private funeral and ceremony has taken place. An open "Celebration of Life" will be held for Bob at the Canoe Club, 40 Dunkirk Drive in Winnipeg on Monday, March 11 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Our heartfelt thanks go out to the amazingly wonderful team of palliative nurses who cared for Bob at home and also during his short term stay at Riverview Health Centre. We could not have made it without them. If so desired, donations can be made in Bob's memory to the Riverview Health Centre, 1 Morley Ave., Winnipeg - Palliative Care Unit. THOMSON "IN THE PARK" 925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 09, 2013
Condolences & Memories (13 entries)
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I met Bob shortly after he arrived in Winnipeg to start Martin's Home Appliances and other enterprises before he and Joan left for the west and other careers. However Winnipeg was a magnet where Joan sold her wares at craft shows..we met for the last time some three years ago and reminisced for hours. Bob was a fine person and a gentle man. - Posted by: rivan kenneth halprin (friend and counsel) on: Mar 11, 2013
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Our condolences to the family. - Posted by: Walter Kubitz, Q.C. () on: Mar 11, 2013
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Dear Joan, Our sincere sympathy to you and your family. We would also like to express our heartfelt appreciation to you and Bob. Your compassion and caring in bringing The Compassionate Friends to Canada has given hope to countless families and will continue to live on. Your Compassionate Friends, Winnipeg Chapter - Posted by: The Compassionate Friends (Friends) on: Mar 11, 2013
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Very sad news indeed. I loved the man and still thought of him fondly from time to time in spite of the over 40 years that have passed. It's a great shame. Cheers, Randy - Posted by: Randy Maunder (Employee/Friend) on: Mar 11, 2013
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Joan, how sorry we are. Barb and I have many great memories of Bob. We were just looking at our wedding pictures from 1970 and there was Bob John - Posted by: John Crane (Employee/Friend) on: Mar 11, 2013
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When I think back on my employment with Bob I realize that I worked for him for more years than any other employer. Monty - Posted by: Monty O'Connor (Friend/Employee) on: Mar 11, 2013
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I am very sad indeed to hear of Bob's passing. I had the pleasure to work for him at Red Top Television and Uetta Electronics. I was young and foolish at the time and Bob put up with our pranks with grace. I still relate stories of the wonderful working environment there, I still attempt to follow his example, to behave with grace and good manners. Bob was always a gentleman and had a delightful sense of humour. He became an example for me of what a good, decent man should be. I was sorry to lose contact with him as I moved away and I am indeed deeply moved to hear of his passing. Thank you Mike, for expressing so well our loss. My sincere condolences to his family. - Posted by: Randy Maunder (Friend) on: Mar 11, 2013
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Jennifer and Jack, Candy and I want you to know we are there for you in your time of mourning and beyond. We hope Robert is resting well in peaceful place after living a full and successful life. We hope your Mom can continue to enjoy the Canoe club and her friends. If there is anyting we can do, let us know. Our heartfelt sympathies. - Posted by: Dave and Candy (Friends) on: Mar 10, 2013
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I am so sorry to learn of Bob's passing. I have shared this notice with Henry (Monty) O'Connor, Randy Maunder and John Crane. We all had the distinct pleasure of working for Bob at Uetta Electronics and Red Top TV back in about 1969. He and Joan were enormously helpful to all of us, very yoing men, providing not only employment but friendship, mentorship and a brilliant example of how to work, live and love. We were all treated like family and we shared in their grief when Ben was ill. Bob was generous with wisdom and kindness. I remember wonderful Christmas parties. I remember a special bottle of wine we received when Cathy and I eloped. I had been trying to locate Bob in BC and Alberta over the last couple of years, not realizing he was back in Winnipeg. Joan and the girls should be very proud of Bob and his excellent life lived. - Posted by: Michael Gillespie (Friend/Employee) on: Mar 09, 2013
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Dear Joan and family Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Even though Bob's health suffered in recent years, he was with you. Now that he is gone it is all so very final.You will all miss him very much, I am sure. May'THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT BE WITH YOU AT THIS TIME'. With love Al and Luella Rempel - Posted by: Albert and Luella Rempel ('OLD FRIENDS') on: Mar 09, 2013
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It was an honour to meet and care for Mr M, what a fine gentleman. I send my warmest thoughts and condolences to Joan and family. - Posted by: Harriet Y (Nurse) on: Mar 09, 2013
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It was a real priviledge to meet Bob and Joan and the rest of the family. I spent much of the time with Ben and his mom and dad. It was both a sad and joyful day, when Ben went and saw Jesus for the first time. I am sure Ben welcomed his dad into heaven. Both Karen and I are in prayer for the Lord to comfort you Joan and your extened family during these difficult days. Joan we have many memories of our time with you, hopefully if we ever get to Winnipeg we can meet again! Love and Prayers Dave and Karen Phillips - Posted by: David J. Phillips (former pastor) on: Mar 09, 2013
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It was with great honour to meet Bob and Joan and the rest of the family. I spent many hours with Ben, and was sad day when Ben went to heaven and seeing the Lord for the first time.However great joy knowing where Ben is then and now. I am sure Ben welcomed his dear dad into heaven as well. The Lord will confort the remaining family during this deep loss. Joan our prayers are with you these days, give greatings to your daughters and their families as well. May the Lord comfort and bless you J - Posted by: David J. Phillips (former pastor) on: Mar 09, 2013